Tribes celebrate 112th July 4 powwow
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ARLEE — Despite cool weather with a bit of rain thrown in, dancers, drummers and spectators from all over the West came by the droves to join in the Arlee Celebration’s 112th year. On Sunday alone, 520 dancers — some competing, some just celebrating — stomped and spun under the powwow pavilion.
“That’s amazing; that’s the most we’ve had for a long time,” powwow secretary Clara Charlo said.
The Arlee Celebration’s long history began in 1891, when the Salish first attempted to hold a powwow over the Fourth of July weekend. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs had outlawed traditional Indian dances and threatened military intervention to stop the celebration.
Eventually, as the tribes argued that they should be able to celebrate American independence in their own traditional way, the Bureau backed off.
Using historical records and elder’s memories, the tribes now date the first Arlee Celebration to 1898. The powwow has grown over the decades and draws dancers from all over the United States. And the gathering serves as a reminder to all of the importance of freedom.
This year, powwow events kicked off June 30 with an evening memorial and stick game, leading into a full day of traditional games and dances on July 1. Things heated up on Friday with the start of dance competitions in several age categories, and contests continued through Sunday.
Octave Finley, Cecille Lumprey, and Barbara and Mike Durglo were among the elders honored at this year’s powwow.
